Vaughn Family Chaos

a family that runs together…….finishes together

2012-01-16T07:54:00.001-06:00

Wow! What an incredible weekend this Vaughn family has had. I don’t even know where to begin……

This is likely to be the lengthiest post that this blog has ever seen!

I’ve mentioned before that our family has been training to run the inaugural Louisiana Marathon!

This was THE weekend!

It began on Saturday morning with the boys running the RocketKidz marathon.

The concept behind this run is that the children log 0.5 mile runs in the weeks leading up the event to total either 25 or 25.5 miles. Then at the main event the run either 1.2 miles or 0.7 mile to reach their total “marathon” of 26.2 miles.

I had registered the boys to run the “half” (0.7 mile) ** ……

and Daddy Buck was running the course with them.

Here they are in the “corral” at the start line!

Big Boom! And they’re off! Game faces on!!!

[VIDEO: start of the RocketKidz marathon]

Oh…..excuse me a second while I take pictures of the scenery. The Louisiana State Capitol building in all her glory on what could not have been a more clear beautiful morning. Cool, crisp, chilly morning; but, beautiful nonetheless……

I no sooner begin to refocus back to the race and see that Buck-a-roo is rounding the corner running solo! That’s right! he broke away from Dad and brother and has pulled out almost a minute ahead. He rounded the corner so fast that I only got pictures of his backside.

He does love this picture though because (do note) his feet, both of them, are mid-air!! He’s taking flight he’s sprinting to the finish line so fast!

[VIDEO: Buck-a-roo’s finish]

About 30 seconds after Buck-a-roo made the turn to the finish line, I look up to see this……..

It’s Frank-o and Dad rounding the corner to the final stretch. Daddy Buck later told me that he told Frank-o that once they made the turn, he needed to let go of his hand and ‘finish strong’!

And that he did!

In true “Rocky” fashion, he raised his arms just as he crossed the finish line!

[VIDEO: Frank-o’s finish]

** remember that I previously mentioned that I had registered them to compete in the “half”……. would you know that my Lil Runners actually grabbed a glass of water at the turn-around and kept going and completed the “FULL”!!

Daddy Buck and I were super proud of them for getting our there, in the cold, running hard, staying focused, and finishing strong!

Maybe the Waffle House breakfast on the way helped……

It was now time to go home and begin our prep for our race on Sunday. Saturday afternoon consisted of lots of stretching and hydrating sandwiched between a Saint’s playoff loss to the 49er’s.

Daddy Buck and I attended the Pasta Dinner on Saturday night where we heard some inspirational words from the one, the only……Jeff Galloway!

Daddy Buck and I were running the Louisiana Marathon Half ….. our first!

And this was the inaugural event of the The Louisiana Marathon event ….. superb event to say the least!

Thanks for our fantastic friends and my mother-in-law that I can’t say enough about, we had cheers, and posters, and noise makers, and high fives along the route and some great photography to showcase our day.

It appears the children had no problems entertaining themselves as they waited for us to pass. Our boys saw us at mile marker 3 and then again at the split-mat at mile 10.5.

Here’s Daddy Buck at the split mats……

and here I am!

Here’s the deal….. once you have high fived your children along the route. And their little hands have clapped and their little voices have said “good job Mom!”, there’s no way you can slow down, give up, or not finish.

It’s time to put one foot in front of another, dig deep, and FINISH!

Because Daddy Buck and I finished an hour apart, our friends were only able to capture my finish.

And, as you can see I had some help. Daddy Buck ran the last half mile with me to the final turn and had he not, I likely wouldn’t have beat my time goal by the 90 seconds that I did!

{stand up straight, do not puke, keep moving, stretch it out, do not puke, breathe, breathe, breathe}

This is likely the very moment when it all seems like it’s worth it.

Exercising as a family, trying to lead healthy lifestyles, running together, supporting one another in competition, never quitting, finishing strong……we were all smiles, all day.

Smiles intermingled with a post race pizza buffett, ice packs to knees and ankles, ibuprofen, and naps!

A family that runs together…….

finishes together!

T minus 1 week and counting

2012-01-09T10:10:00.001-06:00

No pain, no gain. Sweat is fat crying. No guts, no glory. Mind over matter. Failure is not an option. One foot in front of another, step by step, mile by mile. Discipline. Endurance. Drive. Conquer. Strength. Determination. Motivation. Inspiration. Yesterday was our last "long run" before race day next weekend!

I'm slow. I'm not gonna break any land speed records. But I'm getting it done! We're excited. We high five and say see you at the Finish Line and 3 hours later we'll high five again!Go hard or go home!VaughnMom- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T01:09:00.001-06:00

Our immediate and extended neighborhood is nothing short of a downtown pyrotechnics show. As I type this at 1220, the 12midnight boom is still going strong.

We had friends over for the evening. Burgers, kids, beer, fireworks, games, wine, laughs, wrestling, chocolate trifle and pictures about sums it up.

Speaking of pictures, check out the cool sparkler pictures that my friend and I took…….

OK. Stick with me. Just keep looking. They get better.

{star}

{heart}

{peace sign}

{LSU}

Because I love her. Because she was a good sport at playing along with my picture-taking. Because her team was victorious in the Chick-fil-A bowl tonight. Because we cheer SEC always. Because she politely begged me to post her picture too. Here’s her favorite picture……

{AU}

Happy New Year!

{2012 ~ though we never perfected the mirror image thing}

Here’s to a great 2012!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T14:20:00.001-06:00

from our family to yours......

VaughnMom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Elvis is in the House

2011-12-12T21:05:00.001-06:00

On Thanksgiving Day we welcomed a new member to the family and he’s been up to no good ever since…….

“Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock, I Watch Around the Clock”

“Giddy Up Reindeer!”

“Christmas Cocktail Anyone?”

“Have Wii Been Naughty or Nice This Year?”

“X and O, Tic-Tac-Toe”

“Stocking Stuffer”

“Up, Up, and Away”

“Fridge Warning”

He ~~rocks~~ watches around the clock. Our good behaviors leave him doing a jig in his blue suede shoes while our poor behaviors leave his blue eyes crying in the rain. Some days he’s all shook up by our behaviors but mostly he loves ~~me/~~us tender. He reminds us don’t be cruel! It’s challenging, but we follow the rules and keep our hands off. Cross my/our hearts and hope to die, Elvis will be home for Christmas and we’ll have two little boys who found their way to the NICE list this year.

Thank you, thank you very much……..

{I couldn’t help myself with the Elvis song titles}

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

*spur of the moment cell phone picture by Dad

“runners”

2011-11-28T08:48:00.001-06:00

So Daddy Buck and I have been running steady for over a year now and training consistently for months for our upcoming 1/2 marathon in January.

We both ran personal record paces at our Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving and we also both set personal distance records on our long runs yesterday.

I think it’s safe to refer to ourselves as “runners” these days…….

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

In all of the craziness that surrounded Daddy Buck’s birthday surprise, I failed to post about our other Veteran’s Day festivities. I didn’t want it to go without mention and since there’s no better day to speak of veterans than Thanksgiving Day……

Veteran’s Day is a big deal for our family.

Daddy Buck was asked to be the keynote speaker this year at the boys’ Veteran’s Day school program. It was an honor and he delivered a heartfelt recollection of his time in the military and a reminder of why we should give thanks to our veterans everyday.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room following his time at the podium (nevermind that I didn’t even make it through the sweet 5th grader’s reading of his bio and introduction) and these two little guys were most proud of there dad.

So…..today….Thanksgiving…..we’re thankful for each other, the brave men and women fighting overseas on this very day for our freedom, and life’s many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

a few of my favs from today’s photoshoot……..

2011-11-20T21:44:00.001-06:00

Today’s photoshoot in a few words…..

::two families, best friends, my friends, a few nerves, unseasonably WARM, cute kiddos, Christmas cards photos in mind, some great captures::

Fall Family Pictures

2011-11-15T11:30:00.001-06:00

We were fortunate enough recently to have family pictures taken again by our friend and photographer, Matt Torres. He was also the man behind the camera here last Spring.

Here are a few of my favorites……

You can see Matt’s sneak peek here at his photography blog.

Now excuse me while I stress over the decisions of our family Christmas card for the next week or so…….

11.11.11 {SURPRISE!}

2011-11-13T20:33:00.001-06:00

For three months now, I’ve been planning a surprise birthday party for Daddy Buck. I thought 11.11.11 was a big enough once-in-a-lifetime birthday to have a shindig; he turned 37, nothing special there. {Why wait until 40 to have a big party?}

There were some minor miscues over the course of three months that likely proved I could never have an affair and keep it a secret, but I think I pulled it off for the most part.

He certainly was unaware of the surprise guests that traveled from other states to be here to celebrate. Daddy Buck had not seen either of these guys in a year or two.

Fall decor throughout the house, cigar boxes held napkins and utensils atop the tables, fresh flower arrangements, unbelievable food, and a mammoth chocolate-chocolate cake!

Daddy Buck doesn’t eat sweets…..

…..but he did this night.

He even obliged us by blowing out the candles!

He also doesn’t like birthday gifts…..

(Buck-a-roo wanted to make sure that his gift got opened even though he couldn’t be here, adults only!)

…..but, I think he did on this night!

I couldn’t have put it together to the magnitude it was without the help of many of our closest friends. And, boy, do we have talented friends…..musicians, chefs, bakers, caterers, artists, photographers, beer brewers, and cigar connoisseurs.

Not out of character, Daddy Buck delivered a spur of the moment fantastic speech that included something about having an out of this world wife {smile}.

And, like always, he tried to remove the spotlight from it being his birthday and refocus to the fact that on the same day we celebrate Veteran’s Day and without the brave soldiers fighting for our freedom we couldn’t have been at this very party.

It was a great party that lasted into the wee hours of the morning and that Daddy Buck will remember forever!

*all of the photographs were taken by someone else, and thank heavens she did!

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

It has been my goal in the past (and it’s really no secret) to coordinate my children’s Halloween costumes ~~as I’m anal retentive and somewhat controlling like that~~ as they are so close in age and {I} think it’s fun!

I’ve been successful in the past in pulling off a cowboy and an indian, an LSU Tigers football player and a Mike the Tiger mascot, and a poiliceman and a fireman.

I knew this year would be a challenge for me to have any say in the boy’s choices for Halloween costumes because…..well, they’re older and they have opinions!!

Which makes this year’s choices all. the. more. fabulous!!!

Why?

They chose their costume theme!

All on their own!

And they coordinated!

And it is quite possibly their favorite costumes yet* (more on that later).

So, you’ve heard of the Swamp People…….

I give you……our Troy Landry look-a-like

and…..a gator!

{because, “I don’t just wanna be another person Mom!”}

Don’t choot me Troy!!

These boys were hysterical. They were proud. They laughed and fed off each other. They played their parts to the nth degree. They were creative. They adored their costumes and their concept!

CHOOT ‘EM!!!

And if it wasn’t already wonderful enough, get aload of this…….

Troy Landry look-a-like:

polo type shirt, Target, clearance $3.99

camouflage cap, Walmart $3.00

blue jeans, camo rubber boots, gun accessory, brown eyeliner {mustache}, Sharpie {Choot ‘Em tattoos}, already in our aresenal, FREE

Gator:

green tee shirt, Walmart, clearance $3.00

alligator (actually dinosaur) hat, Dollar Tree, $1.00

alligator (actually dinosaur) tail, Walmart, $1.99

blue jeans, boots, green camo paint, already in our arsenal, FREE

Grand Total: $13.00

for what is arguably their favorite Halloween costumes to date!*

:we trick-or-treated on Friday night at our local Bass Pro Shop and will trick-or-treat in our neighborhood again tonight:

Happy Halloween!!

The Wildest Show on Earth

2011-10-30T23:11:00.001-05:00

Self dubbed The Wildest Show on Earth, The Angola Prison Rodeo certainly does live up to it’s promise.

The boys were dressed, hats on waiting and ready to hit the road before Daddy Buck could return from his morning run.

We hit the road with some friends and made the hour drive to St. Francisville, Louisiana for this year’s 47th annual event. This was our third year to attend; I’ve blogged about it here and here in the past.

Gotta love a clearance tee shirt from Target that’s a perfect match for the occasion!

This year’s rodeo was a big WIN indeed chock full of fall fun, friends and family, bulls and broncos, guts and glory and a pair of these beauties…..

Handcrafted {by inmates} pine rocking chairs!

Remember, as I’ve mentioned in the past, we did enter the grounds of a maximum security state penitentiary; therefore, no cell phones/cameras are allowed. So, no pictures from inside the rodeo arena.

I got to take their pictures again

2011-10-26T07:08:00.001-05:00

and unlike last year, this year’s weather conditions were much more conducive!

This sweet-as-pie little girl is Buck-a-roo {and Frank-o}’s best-est “girl”friend. It also helps that her parents are some of our best friends as well.

I think we got some great shots this year.

This is my favorite picture of all 5 of them…..

And I loved these pictures I took in this particular location because, for whatever reason, the color of the building in this background appears (in my opinion) to look like fresh fallen snow on the ground.

We also had a little fun along the way…..

fall fair

2011-10-16T16:35:00.001-05:00

Spontaneously, today, we decided after lunch to take the boys to my niece’s school fair. It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, Daddy Buck and I had both completed our long runs for the day, and we had time to kill before the Saints mid-afternoon game; so why not.

Carousel……

Obstacle course…..

Bumper cars…..

Cousins…..

Super slide…..

Cars-go-round…..

We had a blast!

We even came home and kept the fair spirit alive by making {sugar-free} cotton candy at home.

soccer {in action}

2011-10-08T20:13:00.001-05:00

Today was the last soccer game of this fall season for the boys. And since I finally remembered to bring my big camera, here are some great pictures of the boys {in action}.

Zombie Run 5K

2011-10-08T16:43:00.001-05:00

Last night, Daddy Buck and I ran our first race on our path to our 1/2 marathon in January.

And we both had personal bests. The course ran 3.1 miles. Daddy Buck’s time … 24:32. My time … 36:05.

It was a great first run for us. Not the best course possible, but the mass Thriller street dance was fun after the run.

A birthday message

2011-09-22T06:02:00.001-05:00

VaughnMom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

OH! {baby}

2011-09-19T21:58:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday we had our friends over to watch the New Orleans Saints game…..

OH! And did I mention that they have a 10 day old {baby}! 10 days old!!

And, yours truly photographed her little naked self during halftime.

Snug as a bug in my green antique rice bin, inspired by this Pinterest pin.

If this doesn’t give you {baby} fever,

I don’t know what would!

"When I grow up".....

2011-09-18T18:59:00.001-05:00

this dress-up day at school gave us.....

an Army soldier and a police officer

VaughnMom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

a family that runs together

2011-09-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, Daddy Buck and I are training to run the Louisiana Half Marathon in January. We are weeks into our 12-week training program and have 18 weeks until race day.

As we run, day in and day out, the boys have become very interested, inquisitive, and intrigued by the idea.

They stretch with us pre-run, they await our arrival, post-run, in the driveway, they question us as to whether we’ll run short or long each day and so I thought why not foster their interests into something more.

Enter the idea of the Kidz Marathon! They are both now officially registered and it will be a “race weekend” {our races are on separate days} for our entire family!

They will train for the upcoming weeks running 0.5 mile runs to log a total of 25.5 miles prior to race day. On race day, their “marathon”, if you will, will commence with them running their final 0.7 mile leg.

They are pumped!

all good things must come to an end

2011-09-12T13:14:00.001-05:00

School is it’s 4th week now, fall-like temperatures have begun to grace us with their presence, and thanks to Tropical Storm Lee we’ve even decorated for Halloween……all good things must come to an end, and summer is officially over.

The fall is historically a busy time of year for us hence the reason I haven’t posted here in a while. School, football, fall soccer, fairs, festivals, rodeos, CCD…..fall is busy.

We did manage to squeeze in our 5th and final beach trip of the summer back in August and I wanted to post these pictures.

:boogie boards:

:shovels:

":human hamster balls:

:crystal clear blue waters:

:jellyfish:

:cousins:

:fun with Dad:

:hermit crabs:

:tuckered out:

We broke our record……

{and since with all of our beach trips this summer, I managed to ruin my favorite camera lens with SAND; I’m still posting iPhone pics}

no longer PRE

2011-08-13T21:30:00.001-05:00

He’s the second child; I suppose it’s only natural to feel like you always follow in the footsteps…….

“how much longer will I have to be 3 years old?”

“when will I ever be 4 years old?”

“I’m tired of PRE K3!”

“When will PRE K4 be over?”

Last Thursday was the day that all of Frank-o’s questions could cease and he marched on to Kindergarten!

Even though he’s the second and will always be behind his brother; he loves him!! Lots!!

Backpacks on backs, lunchboxes in tow, together they’ll now go……

So he hopped on the schoolbus, in the front row where the Kindergarteners are assigned to sit. And Dad and I raced in our cars to the school to await his arrival.

To his classroom we went. He’s familiar with the surroundings as he has the same Kindergarten teacher that Buck-a-roo had (following….footsteps….once again….such is life).

Smiles, cheeses, high fives, cheers and big tight hugs!

And just like that……we said our goodbyes and he began his schoolwork that awaited on his desk as if he already knew what he was supposed to get accomplished for the day.

He can’t even reach the light in the bathroom to turn it on for himself, yet he goes off to Kindergarten.

Yes, tears welled as I walked to my car that morning…….

the boys’ new toy

2011-08-10T09:25:00.001-05:00

My Dad surprised the boys yesterday by coming into town and bringing with him a new toy for them…….

a BOAT!! Trolling motor, paddle, ladder and all.

They wasted no time…..in a matter of minutes, life vests were on and fastened and the boat was afloat!

One might would think that this boat would be used for leisurely fishing on our 7+acre lake, not re-a-llllly!

Click on the video link below to see what we{they} find most fun to do from the boat!

|please do try to ignore the ridiculously loud panting of my dogs in the background and the utterly embarrassing sound of my voice on video|

Thanks PC!!

working on a record

2011-08-09T21:02:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, the boys and I headed East

to the BEACH! Still working on our record summer of beach trips, this was #4 and #5 comes in two weeks!

We’re turning into quite the crew of “beach bums”!

We embrace the sand…..every last grain of it; the grains between your toes, the grains stuck in your swimsuit, the grains left behind in the seats of the car

Those we miss Daddy Buck tremendously, I have enjoyed my {alone} time with my boys on these past two adventures.

I’m hesitant to even put into type, but it almost seems as if we’re turning a huge corner these days in behavior, character, manners, obedience with these two little guys. From beach play to pool play, car travel to dining out, playing with each to playing friends and everything in between…..when I tell you they were well behaved, I mean really well behaved!

And they love each other! And it shows! And it makes me proud.

Just yesterday, Buck-a-roo’s homework was a biography assignment, if you will, on him. One question: My best friend is ………………. my brother!

I packed ‘light’ {wink}…..all iPhone pics

1st Day of 1st Grade

2011-08-09T10:40:00.001-05:00

As a family, we began Buck-a-roo’s 1st morning of 1st grade at their before&after care where we had breakfast and where Buck-a-roo would catch the schoolbus. He was all smiles to begin his day!

Smiles remained as they called for the students to line up to catch the schoolbus.

As I snapped one last picture and Buck-a-roo hopped on the bus; much like last year, Daddy Buck, Frank-o, and myself jumped in our vehicles and boogied to Buck-a-roo’s school to be there when he arrived off the schoolbus.

He arrived still smiling and we saw him to his desk in his classroom. Hugs, kisses, and we were out the door and anxiously awaiting 3:00 to hear all about his 1st day of 1st grade.

Which, by the way, was a smashing success in his book and he wishes to remain in 1st grade forever because it’s “awesome”! DB and I are just hoping the enthusiasm lasts for several weeks!

Project 365 :July:

2011-08-01T15:54:00.001-05:00

Looks like I was preoccupied this month.....

VaughnMom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T20:40:00.001-05:00

VaughnMom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

beach trip #3 for me……

2011-07-12T20:20:00.001-05:00

The boys and I returned yesterday from a spontaneous weekend getaway to the beach……

{this shot took about four takes and if you pay close attention you’ll notice that I got “PUNK’D” by my 6yo son as they were all supposed to jump on the count of three, yet he had *no* intentions of jumping as evidenced by his thrusting of his friends forward and his remaining atop the pool deck after the other five bodies splashed into the water}

the “special” circumstances surrounding this trip combined with the company of these six kiddos made for an extended weekend chock full ‘o fun in the sun!

My camera did suffer some misfortune along the way and will be taking a trip to the camera shop for repair ASAP!

Therefore, all the pics you’ll see are iPhone snapshots. I am a sucker for the overprocessed appeal of the Hipstamatic shot, so here’s the recap of our beach-pool, splish-splashing, swimming, jumping, sliding, wading, kick-boarding, cannon-balling weekend!

This last shot, though not taken with the Hipstamatic app, turned out super cool. I took it in HDR setting on my iPhone and it appears that because it was an action shot, the series of images were transposed on themselves on the way down thus producing a somewhat transparent effect. Accidental, but neat nonetheless!!

Yes, this makes beach trip #3 for me this summer and I’m shooting for a record 4 in one summer!!

When in a pinch, the iPhone4 camera certainly fills in nicely……

Project 365 :June:

2011-06-30T22:31:00.001-05:00

VaughnMom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Red & Blue

2011-06-26T08:06:00.001-05:00

I’m not even sure how, when or why this designation, if you will, in our family began……..

But for as long as I can now recall and in as many items as I can put my finger on,

Buck-a-roo is red

and Frank-o is blue

from backpacks, lunchboxes, and tshirts

to swimsuits, beachtowels, and waterguns

from Ipods, fishing nets, and tennis shoes

to toys, toothbrushes, to school supplies

If you look closely, you can even see our unintentional, almost now habitually action represented here

It works for us……..

it’s a hard knock life for me…..

2011-06-21T19:27:00.001-05:00

a weekend at the beach, sans kids, with my husband

and my brother whom I haven’t seen in 6 months (since he moved to Los Angeles)

a weekend at the beach, sans kids, with my husband

and my brother whom I haven’t seen in 6 months (since he moved to Los Angeles)

surrounded by good looking men

a weekend at the beach, sans kids, with my husband

and my brother whom I haven’t seen in 6 months (since he moved to Los Angeles)

surrounded by good looking men

engaged in friendly competition

a weekend at the beach, sans kids, with my husband

and my brother whom I haven’t seen in 6 months (since he moved to Los Angeles)

surrounded by good looking men

engaged in friendly competition

consuming adult beverages

a weekend at the beach, sans kids, with my husband

and my brother whom I haven’t seen in 6 months (since he moved to Los Angeles)

surrounded by good looking men

engaged in friendly competition

consuming adult beverages

all amidst the sun and sand

……pretty much sums up my three day weekend!!

{thanks MOM!!!!}

our Dad…..

2011-06-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

From Frank-o…

My Daddy’s name is ….. Dad.

My Dad’s job is …… sell cars.

My dad is really ….. strong.

He loves to eat ….. chips and meat {read: taco salad}.

He’s the best dad because ….. he is great.

My dad helps me ….. cut the grass. {heeheehee}

I love my dad…

From Buck-a-roo…

My daddy’s name is ….. Jack.

He is ….. 36 years old.

He is ….. really tall and weighs ….. 155 pounds. {heeheehee}

He loves to ….. throw me in the pool.

My dad is really good at ….. doing pushups.

It makes him happy when I ….. listen to him.

I’m just like him…

Happy Father’s Day!

He…….

2011-06-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

…….graduated from PreK4 the week before our cruise

…….played a farmer with a “singing part” in the End of the Year Program

……hugs his teachers every morning and afternoon

……has excelled at reading

…….is most excited about attending Kindergarten next year at the “big school” with his big brother

……plays soccer and tball and gives it his all, always

……reminds me daily of my younger brother in so many ways

……keeps his fingers on his face, near his nose, and in his mouth

……is still small in size, but packs a large punch in character, personality, attitude, demeanor

……loves music and sings constantly and can remember the words to a song after hearing it only once

……lights up a room with his smile

……is the “baby” of the family

……is a go-getter in every meaning of the phrase

……enjoys television and video games and could have a slight problem with moderation if we’d allow

……requests chips and salsa for dinner on a regular basis

……is the best son and little brother that we could imagine

……turns 5 years old TODAY!

Happy Birthday Frank-o!

Project 365 :May:

2011-05-31T22:23:00.001-05:00

My first month of the year with "misses".......

VaughnMom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

God Bless America

2011-05-30T17:41:00.001-05:00

Happy

Memorial

Day

VaughnMom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

To grandmother's house we went

2011-05-28T20:23:00.001-05:00

In the car,

over the bridge,

down the slide,

and through the rocks.....

to grandmother's house we went!

VaughnMom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

our cruise {heavy} in pictures

2011-05-27T07:45:00.001-05:00

We cruise on......

2011-05-20T09:22:00.001-05:00

.......tomorrow!

Yes, the Mississippi River is cresting at record levels as we ~~speak~~ type

Yes, there's flooding in all areas of our part of the world right now.

photo courtesy NOLA.com

Yes, it appears that this cruise ship (at port in New Orleans) is sitting atop the streetcar when, at any other time they're virtually level to one another

But, I've confirmed with the cruiseline and we are all systems a-go for setting sail tomorrow!

{seems as though cruise lines are only concerned when waters are too low, high water = good, to some extent}

VaughnMom

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the new craze

2011-05-15T21:42:00.001-05:00

With the recent fantastic Spring weather, we’ve made several visits to area parks.

As much as my two boys love the see-sawing, swinging, and sliding;

we are also enjoying the new craze that seems to be popping up everywhere…….SPLASHPARKS!!

The splishing and splashing is a welcomed addition alongside the traditional park. Especially in our neck of the woods!

And, soon enough, we’ll be turning in our splishing and splashing at the splashpark, our swimming pool, and our backyard lake for some splishing and splashing Carribean style!

And I know two little boys that can hardly wait!!

Fairytale Funny

2011-05-12T08:58:00.000-05:00

VaughnMom

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my Mother’s Day

2011-05-08T20:22:00.001-05:00

Well, this first picture pretty much sums up my afternoon activities. After brunch, we headed to our club swimming pool for the first weekend of the season. You could find me there poolside, drink in hand, soaking up the sun for 5+ hours. It. Was. Fabulous.

The other members of my family {the testerone type} were much more eager than I to enter the water.

Daddy Buck decided to go all-or-nothing style the minute we got there.

Think it was a little cool seeing as it’s early May and our night time temperatures have still been dipping into the low 50s??

You tell me……

Check back in mid-June…..that’s when you’ll find me actually entering the water.

The boys….well, the cool water temperatures don’t seem to phase children adolescent or younger.

Thankfully, everyone remembered how to swim from last summer. I was afraid it might require a re-adjustment phase; but, it seems we’ll be just fine to cruise in 2 weeks!!!

It was a perfect Mother’s Day indeed!

I am one blessed Momma!

{note it appears that Buck-a-roo still, 5 days later, feels it necessary to pull his bottom lip and showoff his snaggle-tooth self in pictures}

Monkeying Around

2011-05-05T22:12:00.001-05:00

VaughnMom

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T17:58:00.001-05:00

VaughnMom

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Project 365 :April:

2011-04-30T20:57:00.001-05:00

VaughnMom

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Movin’ on up…..

2011-04-25T19:58:00.001-05:00

~~to the Eastside~~

to the 1st grade!

That’s right….this week the boys are out of school for Spring Break, they return following their break for 3 weeks, then school will let out for the summer and Buck-a-roo will officially be going to the 1st grade.

Looks official, right?!!

In lieu of a cap&gown Kindergarten graduation, Buck-a-roo’s school opts for a casual EndoftheYear Program. Buck-a-roo had a “speaking part” during the program that he practiced for weeks and nailed that night.

Or so I’m told! You see when you are an excited parent, you’re so busy videoing the moment (like I was) or photographing the moment (like Dad was) that you miss the actual moment. Which is exactly why I find myself stepping away from the camera and blog sometimes*

Ahhh, I digress……

He did a fantastic job!!

Before leaving home for the program, I had asked the boys to step outside for a quick picture because they looked so nice!

Buck-a-roo then decided that we needed a mini photoshoot with the entire family, so here you have it…..

…..the star of the night

…..the darling little brother of the star of the night

…..the winking/squinting father with his boys

…..the mother who doesn’t enjoy photographs of herself with her boys

*do note that I actually blogged from the computer with pictures taken with my BIG camera {read: not iphone pics} and then fully edited {note that my watermark still reads 2010 - oops!!}…..that hasn’t happened in quite some time

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T22:31:00.001-05:00

Today has been a terrific Holy Saturday......an Easter egg hunt with close friends, yardwork, sprinkler play, picturesque Springtime weather, milkshakes, time with grandparents, candy, more yardwork, more candy, the workings of a new outdoor project, fishing, suntanning, dyeing Easter eggs, and one last piece of candy.

The Easter bunny just HOPped by and now I go to bed {wink}.

Goodnight and Happy Easter from our family to yours.
:HE is Risen:

VaughnMom

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{school} Easter Egg Hunts

2011-04-21T22:34:00.001-05:00

For Frank-O, eleven is the {new} ten!

YouTube Video

To Buck-a-roo, not {all} plastic treat-filled eggs are worthy of gracing his basket.

YouTube Video

VaughnMom

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It's a tad bit questionable

2011-04-13T20:03:00.001-05:00

.....as to

just exactly

who was

walking who

on our

walk

this

afternoon!

VaughnMom

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Every other year

2011-04-09T23:29:00.001-05:00

We've spent our Saturday mornings for the past eight or so weeks running, kicking, hustling, scoring, cheering, blocking, dribbling.......playing soccer!

The season culminated today with their final game, end of the season party, and receiving the ever-so-important trophy!

So here's the thing....
Our boys are 15 months apart in age. Typically organized team sports are grouped in age groups of 2 years; therefore, generally speaking, every other year our boys can play together on the same team and every other year, Frank-o will not meet the age requirement thus he'll have to play on a different team {insert huge frown here}.

The ease of them playing on the same team is obvious and easy in so many ways; but the joy, fun, excitement that it offers is immeasurable!

VaughnMom

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Project 365 :March:

2011-03-31T21:00:00.001-05:00

VaughnMom

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an equation

2011-03-30T21:43:00.001-05:00

a hose + 2 watering cans +

3 citrus trees + 6 blueberry bushes +

12-15 yearling vegetable plants in the {new} garden =

2 hours of fun had by 2 brothers for their 1st of many days of water play! And, a dozen 1/2 to 2 dozen-ish well-watered plants/trees/bushes!

And just in case you're pondering asking why my children have strategically marked their bodies with markers......DON'T!

*iPhone pics

VaughnMom

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Great -and- Grand

2011-03-26T16:11:00.001-05:00

A great-grandfather and his {two} great-grandsons!

A great -and- grand Saturday for sure!

VaughnMom

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Happy St Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T06:48:00.001-05:00

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.

VaughnMom

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T07:05:00.001-05:00

VaughnMom

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Star Student

2011-03-14T06:55:00.001-05:00

This week at school, Buck-a-roo has been named Star Student of the Week!

Now before I show you his star student autobiography assignment, let me tell you a funny story about how I came to know that he'd be Star Student this week.....

His principal (who happens to also be our friend outside of school) informed me at his birthday party, two weeks ago, that he'd be the Star Student this week.
I was pumped!
Elated!!
Honored!!!
I say....."to what does he owe this honor?",
"what accomplishment did he achieve to bestow the Star Student 'award'?".

I'm thinking.....I know he's a star {grin}; now they've recognized it too!!!

Her answer.....alphabetical order!!! That's right! Everyone's a STAR! Albeit, this week they've made it to the 'V's, so it's Buck-a-roo's turn!!

{still proud}

VaughnMom

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Wordless {Ash} Wednesday

2011-03-09T08:18:00.001-06:00

VaughnMom

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{Spring} family pictures

2011-03-08T08:58:00.000-06:00

Our friends, Matt and LeAnna, came in town last weekend to visit family and take our family pictures; a photo session that we had rescheduled from late January when we were rained out.

Though we had two previous weeks of 70-80degree {spring}like weather, this was not the case on Sunday morning for our scheduled time during our busy Mardi Gras weekend.

The day before it had stormed and pushed through a cool front. We took outdoor pictures on the river levee in downtown Baton Rouge where it was a crisp 40degrees with 15-20mph North winds. The short-sleeve {spring} outfits that I had coordinated……well, let’s just say we were shivering and putting on our coats and sweaters in between shots/poses!!

Considering the weather conditions, I’m pleased with the outcome and can’t thank Matt and LeAnna enough for taking the time out to reschedule and revisit to make it happen for us!!

Our last family pictures were a year and a half ago here…..

Fat Tuesday

2011-03-08T07:58:00.001-06:00

Happy

Mardi

Gras!

VaughnMom
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6 on the 6th

2011-03-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Buck-a-roo, today, you are 6 years old!!

You weigh 51 pounds.

You are 4 foot tall.

You are sailing through Kindergarten with ease.

You excel in reading.

You love playing sports: basketball, soccer, and tball.

You enjoy watching LSU Baseball.

You are catching fish on your own from our lake.

You remain a picky eater, pizza is your favorite.

You love to shoot your bow and anxiously awaiting hunting with your Dad.

You love your brother and he loves you!

You love your parents and we love you!

Happy Birthday Buck-a-roo!

Laissez les bon temps rouler

2011-03-04T09:17:00.001-06:00

French for “let the good times roll”……which is exactly what we did last Saturday in celebration of Buck-a-roo’s 6th birthday.
His actual birthday isn’t until March 6, but we took advantage of Mardi Gras falling so late this year to throw him a Mardi Gras themed birthday party to coincide with our local parade.
We started a local Mexican restaurant (great for children & adults {wink!}) and each child got to decorate their own “bead bag” for the parade.

We ate finger foods and had cake, two kinds!
Traditional (except for #6 shape) King Cake…..

And cookie cake, per the birthday boys’ request!
{6 letters in his name…..he’s turning 6…..perfect! Do ignore the fact that his mother snapped the ‘L’ in half as she was placing it on the cake}

6 candles or 5, some lit and some not because of wind…..it still worked and Buck-a-roo was elated!!

~Throw Me Somthin’ Mister~

Gorgeous springlike weather, 23 children in good spirits at a public function, birthday party without any hitches,

and a thrilled Buck-a-roo when it was all said and done!

Because I enjoy looking back and maybe you do too…… past posts on Mardi Gras (2009) and (2010) and Buck-a-roo’s birthday party last year!

Project 365 :February:

2011-02-28T20:07:00.001-06:00

VaughnMom

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T05:40:00.001-06:00

(C, Papa C {my dad}, H)

(C, Mikey Mahtook {LSU centerfielder}, H)

VaughnMom

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Take Me Out To The Ballgame

2011-02-20T21:38:00.001-06:00

I have spoke in the past about our love for LSU baseball, in a very similar post this time last year.

We are season ticket holders and this weekend was opening weekend!

And it proved to be a great one.....

.....peanuts, cotton candy, first sunburns of the season, first clean sweep weekend of the season, and the first "kids' running of the bases" of the season (as you'll see in the video below)!

YouTube Video

(they're the 1st & 3rd runners in the video, both wearing white tshirts)

We had an uber busy jam-packed full-o-fun weekend. We have to go back to work and school to get some rest!!

{It is becoming ever-so-apparent to me that this blog is going mobile!!! The way I see it, better mobile than extinct!}

VaughnMom

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Heart Day

2011-02-14T05:37:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Have a great Monday too!

Signed, VaughnMom

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After church today....

2011-02-13T19:44:00.001-06:00

....we made the most of the temperatures in the 60s and the abundance of sunshine

by visiting a {new*} nearby park!

Running, jumping, tagging, hiding, sliding, speaking loudly......letting loose after a well-behaved hour at church.

*new, meaning the caution tape was still intact and the construction dumpster remains on the premises; we weren't the first family there!

Signed, VaughnMom

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By the light of a fire

2011-02-12T19:57:00.001-06:00

He'll soon be 6 years old!
He was named appropriately; he's a little Daddy Buck in training, hence his love of all things outdoors! All "work" outside brings him great joy!

Tonight he enjoyed a fire on our back patio {that *I* built for him} all by his lonesome. Well he and his dog!

camouflage: baseball caps: flip flops: tender heart: outdoorsman: sports player: excellent student: brother: sleeper: snacker.....all things that make up Buck-a-roo!

{I took these pictures from indoor with my cell phone through the glass, hence the reflections of inside......kinda cool}

signed, VaughnMom

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the Whistler

2011-02-05T15:59:00.001-06:00

Look who has recently learned how to whistle and takes the saying "whistle while you work" to a whole new level!

YouTube Video

He whistles while he draws, bathes, eats (if that's possible), Wiis, plays, cleans, dresses.....you get the jist!

{I'm testing a new app to blog from my phone}

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Project 365 :January:

2011-02-01T15:02:00.001-06:00

bedtime

2011-01-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

for Frank-o:

Following the procrastinating trip to the potty, the umpteen jillion requests for a “last sip”, and the super slow shuffle to the bed……

Frank-o and his entourage of animals finally get into bed!

It’s the same routine every night.

He keeps his animals in a basket beside the bed and it’s totally worth it to him; the work it takes to dump them from the basket each night and return them to the basket each morning.

When he meanders to my room somewhere between 2-4am, he typically packs 2-4 of his beloved critters sleepmates with him.

comical

2011-01-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

{why do I find this picture as soooo doggone tongue-in-cheek funny}

Did you guess right?

2011-01-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Gone Fishing……

Here’s the bait you put on your hook……

Here’s the bait you throw in your fishing hole…..

{every good fisherman baits his fishing hole with stale bread, right?}

Stale bread for the ducks too…..

{oh wait, those are decoys! Nevermind!}

Father:Son

Grandfather:Grandson

Nothing was to be reeled in on this outing,

but as the sun began to set…….

a lesson was to be learned!

That’s why the sport is called “fishing” and not “catching”!

Who Can Guess?

2011-01-24T13:45:00.001-06:00

.what we did.

.for the first time, in our new house.

.last week. ???

I’ll return tomorrow with the answer and more pictures!!

B-ball

2011-01-17T08:38:00.001-06:00

This past Saturday was the boys first basketball game of the season. It’s how we’ll spend the next eight Saturday mornings!!

Buck-a-roo played last year, but it was this little guy’s first time out.

He might have run about aimlessly, only actually touching the ball twice in a 40minute game;

BUT he certainly has plenty of passion for the game

AND doesn’t lack in the swagger department either!

Buck-a-roo, on the other hand, is quite the seasoned player;

or at least he thinks so, so don’t tell him otherwise!

He dribbles…he shoots….he scores!

{or not} He rebounds!!

Supposedly, the league doesn’t keep score, but in their minds…..

their team WON!!

{What’d I learn…….action shots in a poorly lit gymnasium are difficult to accomplish!!}

He’s ready

2011-01-05T21:14:00.001-06:00

He’s practiced {before school let out for the holidays and timed instances in the past two days since returning to school}

And, I believe, he’s ready for his first *timed* math test tomorrow!

The test: write the numbers 1-20 in (5) minutes or less

He wrote them for me in less than (1) minute……..

{iPhone pics}

the pics I picked

2010-12-31T17:09:00.001-06:00

alternately titled: "2010 {pictorial} Year in Review”

For the second consecutive year, I created, for our families (grandparents and great-grandparents), for Christmas; a calendar, for the upcoming year that is a somewhat picture review of the year that is coming to an end.

So, without further ado, here are the pictures that I chose {from 2010} for our {2011} calendar, i.e. the pics I picked……

January ~ Superbowl Sunday, YES my guys wore there jerseys to church and YES {our} New Orleans Saints won

February ~ this picture was taken a family picnic for Daddy Buck’s work. This picture has no real relevance to the month it represents; I just like the picture. I like that Frank-o insisted that the face paint artist paint L-S-U deadcenter of his forehead

March ~ Buck-a-roo’s birthday month

April ~ amidst tball season; a canvas of this picture hangs over Frank-o’s bed

May ~ Big Bro-Lil Bro

June ~ Frank-o’s birthday month

July ~ dog days of summer…..we swam lots this past summer, considering both boys can now *swim*; like fish

August ~ the days of summer were coming to an end and Buck-a-roo would soon start Kindergarten

September ~ amidst soccer season; a canvas of this picture hangs over Buck-a-roo’s bed

October ~ fall decor on our NEW front porch

November ~ brotherly love…..Christmas card pictures, take 1

December ~ Christmas card pics, take 2 (not the winner, however…..a good shot nonetheless)

There you have it…..

Here’s looking to a picture-esque 2011!

Here’s hoping

2010-12-26T10:09:00.001-06:00

your family’s Christmas was filled with

{sparkle},

{twinkle},

and {LOVE}!

Thanks Erin for the help {wink}!

from our family to yours……

2010-12-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

on this Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T17:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas Adam

2010-12-23T08:52:00.002-06:00

Hustle: Christmas Cookies: Joy: Excitement:

Baking: Shopping: Jesus: Decorations:

Bustle: Blessings: Love: Happiness

Family: Friends: Church: Food

:Christmas:

Daddy Buck’s buck

2010-12-16T08:24:00.001-06:00

Daddy Buck returned on Monday from a deer hunt in Texas where he bagged a 10-point buck {and FOUR more deer}!

Filling the freezer!!

__________________________________________________

In other news….

‘Tis the season for parties/gatherings/programs and our family in certainly partaking in our share…..particularly today.

2 classroom Christmas parties, 1 Christmas preschool program/play this evening, followed by an adult company Christmas party later tonight.

And… tomorrow {my birthday}, Daddy Buck and I leave for New Orleans for the weekend, sans kids, to attend a wedding.

__________________________________________________

As I’m typing, it’s December 16, 8:22am, and 62degrees outside!!

Christmastime in Louisiana!!

Santa’s lap

2010-12-13T22:06:00.001-06:00

It’s the anticipated event of the season for mothers of young children. We dress our babes in cute, coordinating, Christmas clothing and venture out to the mall on a Saturday {no less} to wait in a ridiculously long line in a crowded area with unruly children of our own and others with the picture perfect idea in tow ……we’ll prop our children up in Santa’s (read: an overgrown, old, odd man) lap and have them speak their wishes of the season and smile BIG for the camera without shedding a tear or uttering a sense of shyness or fear about them.

Have mercy! Who’s idea was this anyway?!

Moving on……

Let’s just say that the last decent {emphasis on decent} picture that I obtained for this occasion was in 2005. It was my first go at it and Buck-a-roo, my firstborn, was 9 months old! Since then…….DOWNHILL!!

:my efforts in 2009 landed me in the picture:

That is….up until this year! And boy did I score big this year…..in more ways that just this lovely picture!

They liked it. They enjoyed themselves. They recollect the adventure in conversation with others. They’re proud of themselves. They had FUN! They’d do it again tomorrow.

They’re growing up………….

Frank-o: “I’m just gonna stand Momma, mmkay?!”

Buck-a-roo’s girl

2010-11-27T14:57:00.001-06:00

Buck-a-roo’s girl since his 2yr old preschool class is B. She and her family are dear friends of ours. They asked me to take their family pictures and yesterday was the day.

It’s been planned for weeks. It’s been 80+ degrees in November for weeks. Yesterday……….45 degrees and raining! Fabulous!!

What’s a photographer to do, but embrace it! {and bring along a nice black umbrella that you borrowed from your mother who was in town for Thanksgiving}

Despite the weather conditions, everyone was in good spirits and we got some good pictures!! Christmas card worthy.

Today, I’m thankful for……

2010-11-24T21:49:00.001-06:00

…..

my parents

our new house

food

Frank-0

{Buck-a-roo’s words}

……

mommies and daddies

brothers and sisters

rain for our new flowers

this wonderful day

{Frank-o’s words}

Well put my boys and so so so much more. We. Are. Blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

11.11.10

2010-11-11T05:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to you,

{….our decorations…..}

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Daddy Buck

Happy Birthday to you!

However, more important to you {and us},

Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you for your service to our country.

Last night in our new kitchen, their were 20 tiny fingers hard at work whisking brownie batter and sugar cookie batter for Dad’s birthday. They are at great ages where they’re fun in the kitchen and they were eager to prepare treats for their Dad!

A true labor of love……Happy Birthday Dad! We. Love. You.

{…..our eats…..}

two takes

2010-11-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

After much deliberation, I decided that Daddy Buck and I should be included in this year’s Christmas card. Two years ago, we were (in a somewhat similar manner in which we will be this year as well {he!he!}). Last year, we were not…..it was just the boys!

I go back and forth on my feelings here…..most times, I do believe recipients of the said Christmas card would enjoy seeing a family picture of the four of us, seeing as many of the people receiving the card may or may not have seen us all throughout the year. With that being said, sometimes that doesn’t happen…..why?

A. Because I do not like myself in pictures……there I said it!!

B. Because I love my boys in pictures!

I opted to try for a family Christmas card this year and Daddy Buck and I WILL be present in some way, shape, or form {grin!}.

Therefore, I’m sharing more pictures from my intended-for-Christmas-cards photo shoot (at which Daddy Buck was not present) that, sadly, will not be used……

I put probably way too much effort into Christmas cards and I have a few guidelines in the choosing:

*the design must be in traditional red and green colors

*the wording must read, ‘Merry Christmas’

*there shall be no wintery symbols, i.e. snow, snowflakes, etc…..

I could go on, but I will stop because it seems I have a problem! It’s just a Christmas card for heaven sakes……..

Ninja Brothers

2010-11-09T08:16:00.001-06:00

As promised {only 8 or so day after the fact (it’s the best I can seem to do these days)}, here they are……

doing what Ninjas do?!?!

*neither of their face drapes (if that’s what you call Ninja gear) would stay put as they should across the bridge of their noses, so I offered to paint their faces

{hooray for me!! READ: paint removal nightmare}

** Frank-o refused to wear his headress/hoodie (once again not certain what Ninjas refer to their gear as) declaring, “I can still be a Ninja wiffout that thing!” Why YES, you can!!

*** And off we went…..umbrellas in tow…..trick-or-treating in the pouring down rain…..on November 1, All Saint’s Day!

{lots of sarcasm in this here post}

Daddy Buck: “Smile for the camera boys!”

Buck-a-roo: “Ninjas don’t smile Dad!”

Frank-o: “Yea, ninjas don’t smile!”

{that’s not what it looks like in the two pictures above}

Me: ::snap::

until warmer temperatures return

2010-11-05T11:52:00.001-05:00

Since moving to our new home on a lake,

this has {had} quickly become a favorite pastime of our boys.

Considering we awoke to temperatures in the 40’s this morning, our {truly} first chilly morning of the season,

I’m afraid the boys new afterschool, Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon, and everywakingmomenttheycouldsqueezein activity will now have to await the return of warmer temperatures.

At least, now you know what they’ve been up to……swimming in their “new pool”!

peeks from my photoshoot

2010-10-31T20:30:00.001-05:00

Buck-a-roo has a sweet {girl}friend, ‘AE’, that he’s attended preschool with since he and she were two years old

Audrey’s mother asked me several weeks back if I’d photograph their family!

…..certainly I will!!

She chose to take pictures at the LSU Rural Life Museum. I had never been to this location and it turned out to be a fantastic! Not to mention, the superb fall weather that’s upon us these past few days.

Thanks ‘E’ Family for the opportunity to photograph your family and spend a Saturday running wild through the grounds of the LSU Rural Life Museum and feeding the ducks at the Bass Pro Shop!

Buck-a-roo had his hand at the camera once or twice……nice sun flare son!!

I was also on a mission myself…..taking pictures of my boys as well in hopes of capturing a nice candid shot for this year’s Christmas cards!

This is not the one; however, I do believed I captured it!

note: we did pay to regular adult admission fees to visit the LSU Rural Life Museum

I do realize that it is Halloween night and I am blogging about anything and everything but Halloween, to include Christmas.

You see, I am not crazy……we did not carve pumpkins this year as I just, today, discovered that one of our “carving” pumpkins (we need two of everything to get anything accomplished in this here family) rotted {is that a word?}. I stumbled upon this mishap just as I was about to setup the table and call the boys to carve.

Not. Good.

And, we have yet to trick-or-treat due to this ordinance in our parish. We will do so tomorrow night ~ a day late and a dollar short, but apparently it’s the law!

For tonight {Halloween 2010}, please re-enjoy my last year’s Halloween post and I will return with a post in the near future bearing pictures of the Vaughn Ninja Brothers!

Size Matters

2010-10-28T15:03:00.001-05:00

…..Big…..

…..Bigger…...

…..Biggest…..

Apparently size matters when choosing a pumpkin?!?!

Or does it??…..

This kid decided to go for quantity over ~~quality~~ size!

{built} Home Sweet Home 13.0

2010-10-26T08:28:00.001-05:00

That’s right! You read the post title correctly. It is no longer building, rather built!

That is indeed why I haven’t posted to my poor blog is over a month. I have been living {a busy} life and to be perfectly honest, I haven’t missed my computer one iota.

However, I am back now ~~because Blogher Ads flagged my blog for no recent activity in a month~~ because I have begun to miss blogging and it looks as if the 13th installment in this home building adventure is proving to be lucky #13. This post post will conclude the adventurous home building endeavour chronicled in pictures here on this blog.

These pictures were taken just prior to our housewarming party last Saturday night where we hosted 45+ people into the wee hours of the morning. A good time was had by all and now we can call ourselves settled in our new home and get back to a quieter, more routine routine.

You will see finished, decorated for Halloween, setup for our party pictures of the boys’ rooms and bathroom and and the living areas (keeping room, kitchen, living room, dining room, butler’s pantry) from several angles. Guests began to arrive before I took pictures of the master suite or guest quarters…….so sorry.

Thanks for following along this 6month+ journey in our lives and without further ado……..

{yes, that is a pair of Franko’s socks beneath the coffee table a mere 10 minutes before our guests were to arrive!}

{building} Home Sweet Home 12.0

2010-09-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

soon

2010-09-23T18:47:00.001-05:00

Our family will lay our heads to rest

in our new home {our new home that now has driveway art}

soon, very soon!

::iPhone4 pics again because I’m getting bogged down during this transition::

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-14T21:43:00.001-05:00

getting close, staying busy

2010-09-12T17:47:00.001-05:00

we now see the light at the end of the tunnel…….we are coasting downhill, no brakes……we have entered the homestretch and should bust through the tape within the next 7-10 days

…..with that comes the packing, purging, stacking, storing, unpacking, unloading, muscling, moving…..

between all that, we are staying very busy with these two little guys playing soccer on two different teams

two boys, two teams, practice once or twice weekly, games weekly …… soccer everyday!!

::pictures~ iPhone4, Hipstamatic app::

7 years

2010-09-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Anniversary!

{Thanks Mom and Dad for allowing us our travels without children this weekend. It was a fantastic treat for our anniversary weekend!}

Also, Happy Labor Day to everyone! Enjoy the beautiful fall-like weather that most of our country is beginning to experience.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

{building} Home Sweet Home 11.0

2010-08-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

3 weeks!!!!!!

2010-08-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Let the

countdown begin…….